Ambush: A Decade in Music and Counting
Ambush's journey in the music industry has been remarkable. Spanning over a decade, he has collaborated with iconic names like Chip, Skepta, and Giggs. With a unique sound and style that blends his Angolan heritage with UK rap, Ambush has established himself as a talented and innovative artist.
Career Highlights and Challenges
Reynold:
Your career has featured collaborations with major artists like Chip, Skepta, and Giggs. What are some of the defining moments of your journey so far, and how have these collaborations influenced your musical growth?
Ambush: Yeah, for sure, man. Giggs was definitely a big feature for me. I grew up listening to him—he was the OG. So when he asked me to do a track, it was a full-circle moment. I remember when I was younger, trying to get features and being charged five bills. Fast forward to Giggs reaching out—it was an epic moment.
Reynold: After working with these artists and taking a break, how has it been getting back into the game? Are you looking for more collaborations?
Ambush: Right now, I'm just in work mode. I’m focused on showing the world what I’ve been working on. The past couple of years have been a bit of a hiatus for me. I had to pause my career for a while, but now I’m back, and we’re working again. Boom and bleed.
Evolution as an Artist
Reynold:
Reflecting on your solo debut seven years ago, how has your approach and mindset changed? What’s different about your music now compared to then?
Ambush: Seven years ago, I was still deep in the streets. I had just come out of prison, but I knew I wanted to pursue music. Back then, we were just freestyling, dropping whatever we had, and figuring things out. My sound was aggressive because of my environment and experiences. But now, I’m in a different place. I feel healthy, good, and more personal in my music. I want to bring good vibes and tell my story authentically.
Creating "Good Time"
Reynold:
How did the concept for Good Time come about?
Ambush: It actually happened randomly. We were at Seeks’ house—he’s one of the artists at Buzzworld. He has a little studio there, and we were just vibing. Frank came up with the line, "I’m just trying to have a good time." From there, we built on it and made a track. Initially, it was a rap beat, but then I started a 30-day challenge.
One day, I went to church, and the priest said something that stuck with me: "Your talent is worth a million pounds." That spoke to me, and I decided to showcase my talent every day for 30 days. My boy Bofar suggested we use the Premiere Gauo, and it just clicked. We recorded the track, put a snippet on Instagram, and it went viral. From there, everything fell into place.
Reynold:
Looking back at your journey, what are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned about yourself?
Ambush: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I’m a child of God. That realization has changed how I carry myself. Instead of following the world, I try to move in the right light.
Reynold: If you could give advice to your younger self at the start of your career, what would it be?
Ambush: Take care of yourself first before trying to help everyone else. I’ve always been the type of person who wants to uplift those around me, but sometimes people don’t see in themselves what I see in them. I’ve put a lot of energy into others, sometimes at my own expense. I’d tell my younger self to focus on his own journey and not miss opportunities by trying to bring everyone along.
Musical Influences and Background
Reynold:
You grew up in Angola. How has that influenced your music?
Ambush: A hundred percent. I grew up listening to Angolan music at home and at parties. That influence is embedded in my flows and style. Angolan rap played a big role in shaping my sound.
Reynold: You released your debut album, About My Business, at just 17. What drove you to create music at such a young age, and how has your passion evolved since then?
Ambush: In my area, a lot of the mandem were into music. It wasn’t as big as it is now, but it was a passion. We had groups like SM Hood Twins, who were on Channel U and had a number two hit. That was a big deal back then. Seeing that made me believe we could do it too.
Back in the day, I remember reaching out to Sneakbo for a feature, and he charged me five bills. That was crazy money at the time! But a few months later, we ended up linking up in Ibiza with SBTV, and we all did a freestyle together. Everything came full circle.
Future Plans and Business Ventures
Reynold:
What’s next for you? Any new projects?
Ambush: My project is done—I’m just working on the visuals now. I’m also focused on my label, Buzzworld. Right now, we have Frank Ecker, who’s making waves with a new sound, and Madame Molly, who’s incredibly talented. We’re gearing up to drop singles and projects back to back.
Reynold: Outside of music, what other ventures are you involved in?
Ambush: I’m about my business, literally. That’s why my first project was called About My Business. I have a clothing line, Boss Status, and I’m into Airbnb rentals and cars. But my main focus is the record label.
Reynold: You and your team have been together since secondary school. That’s nearly 20 years. How has that shaped your journey?
Ambush: Yeah, man, we started in the bedroom—literally. We had a small studio setup, and from there, we moved to a proper studio. It’s been a long journey, but that foundation built everything we have today.
Final Words
Reynold:
What message do you have for up-and-coming artists?
Ambush: Stay authentic. I can adapt to any sound, but everything I say is the truth. A lot of artists are hesitant to work with me because they think I’ll outshine them or take their fans, but I believe in sharing the light. I read a quote that said if you use one candle to light another, it doesn’t take away from the original flame. That’s the mentality I carry—spreading the light and uplifting others.
Reynold: That’s deep! Thank you so much.
Ambush: Respect, bro.
Produced
Studio Mezue
Photography
Ade Adeyemi
Executive producer
Tobi Tade
Editor in chief
Walter okosie & Reynolds Mark
Set assistant
Matthew dominic
Head of design
Tosan uche